MHT CET 202622 AprilEvening Shift
- Exam
- MHT CET
- Year
- 2026
- Date
- 22 April
- Shift
- Evening Shift
- Subject
- Chemistry
- Chapter
- Coordination Compounds
MHT CET 2026 · 22 April · Evening Shift · Chemistry · Coordination Compounds
Which of the following coordination compounds is not likely to show...
Which of the following coordination compounds is not likely to show optical isomerism?
Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
C.
Step-by-step solution
Optical isomerism is generally shown by octahedral complexes that lack elements of symmetry (plane of symmetry, center of symmetry).
Let us analyze each complex:
Option (1): can exist in cis and trans isomeric forms. The cis form lacks a plane of symmetry and is optically active. The trans form has a plane of symmetry and is optically inactive. Therefore, the complex as a whole can show optical isomerism.
Option (2): is an octahedral complex with three bidentate ligands. It lacks any plane or center of symmetry. Thus, it exists as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers) and shows optical isomerism.
Option (3): is a typical example of a square planar complex. Square planar complexes contain a molecular plane of symmetry (the plane containing the metal ion and the four ligands). Because of this plane of symmetry, they do not show optical isomerism.
Option (4): is an octahedral complex similar to the first option. Its cis-isomer is optically active, while the trans-isomer is optically inactive. Therefore, it can show optical isomerism.
Thus, the square planar complex is not likely to show optical isomerism.
Let us analyze each complex:
Option (1): can exist in cis and trans isomeric forms. The cis form lacks a plane of symmetry and is optically active. The trans form has a plane of symmetry and is optically inactive. Therefore, the complex as a whole can show optical isomerism.
Option (2): is an octahedral complex with three bidentate ligands. It lacks any plane or center of symmetry. Thus, it exists as a pair of non-superimposable mirror images (enantiomers) and shows optical isomerism.
Option (3): is a typical example of a square planar complex. Square planar complexes contain a molecular plane of symmetry (the plane containing the metal ion and the four ligands). Because of this plane of symmetry, they do not show optical isomerism.
Option (4): is an octahedral complex similar to the first option. Its cis-isomer is optically active, while the trans-isomer is optically inactive. Therefore, it can show optical isomerism.
Thus, the square planar complex is not likely to show optical isomerism.